David Black, PhD, MPH

Assistant Professor of Preventive Medicine Core Courses

Dr. Black is an Assistant Professor of Preventive Medicine in the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, and faculty member of the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. His research focuses on the delivery and evaluation of mind-body medicine modalities, specifically mindfulness training, in order to modify psychological stress and other mental/physical health symptoms and states. He is broadly interested in how mind-body approaches impact stress biology, specifically neuroendocrine and immune system function in humans. His studies incorporate both observational and experimental methodology with measurements quantified by survey, brain imaging, gene expression, and biomarker (from saliva and blood) research. Research topics of interest include the impact of mind-body approaches on: 1) cortisol and inflammatory markers, 2) brain and biokinetic function, and 3) alleviating symptomatology. The overall goal of this work is to elucidate the harmonious interactions between mind and body, and to inform how these interactions can be harnessed for the prevention and treatment of psychological suffering and disease states in order to promote health and wellness.